'We've got to show the people that they're completely wrong'

BRETT Holman belatedly starts his second A-League campaign on Friday night with a mission to defy the popular belief that an ageing Brisbane squad will struggle to challenge for the title this season.

The former Socceroos star is set for action when the Roar host Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium, having missed Brisbane's 2-0 first-round loss to Melbourne City at AAMI Park last Friday because of a calf injury.

Holman has stepped up to marquee status this season and the pressure is on the playmaker to provide fellow marquee man Massimo Maccarone with the service the Italian striker needs to score the goals that will ensure the Roar play finals football this season.

A top-six position would be the minimum requirement for a Roar side that has been written off by many this season because of the age of several players.